The Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton Series gently leads participants on a journey toward spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life. Each eight-session booklet provides an introduction to Merton and contemplative living through prayers, readings from Merton and other spiritual masters, and questions for small group dialogue.

Using the signature dialogue process of the popular Bridges to Contemplative Living series, this small-group resource explores great theological themes of the Advent and Christmas season through the writings of Thomas Merton and five other renowned spiritual masters.

In this accessible introduction to the writings of Thomas Merton, small-group participants are led on a path of spiritual growth from the first week of Advent through Christmas. Each of the book’s five sessions focuses on a distinct theme: hope, salvation, compassion, tenderness, or incarnation. The structure of each session includes prayers, a brief thematic introduction, probing dialogue questions, and a reading from Merton paired with a reading from one of five other spiritual masters, including Gerard Thomas Straub, Anne D. LeClaire, Olivier Clément, Michael Casey, and Christopher Bamford. This contemplative approach provides a welcoming haven during the midst of a hectic season for existing small groups or for those looking for deeply rewarding reflection on the meaning of Advent and Christmas.

Bridges to Contemplative Living Companion DVD

This companion DVD explains the process of contemplative dialogue and the flow of a Bridges Session as well as provides an introduction to contemplative living. To request a free copy, please send an email to Ave Maria Press and include your name, parish/organization, address, city, state, and zip code. (DVD mailed to U.S. addresses only.)

Bridges to Contemplative Living Series

One: Entering the School of Your Experience
Two: Becoming Who You Already Are
Three: Living Your Deepest Desires
Four: Discovering the Hidden Ground of Love
Five: Traveling Your Road to Joy
Six: Writing Yourself into the Book of Life
Seven: Adjusting Your Life's Vision
Eight: Seeing that Paradise Begins Now

Advent and Christmas
Lent and Holy Week